I'm Past My Dark Cloud Day

Well, I'm past my dark cloud day, but the news isn't good. I do have breast cancer and it's also in the lymph node they biosied. I have many tests coming up to see if the cancer has spread anywhere else. After those tests chemotherapy will begin and surgery is maybe four months away. I'm taking it in small chunks because the whole picture is too overwhelming. I'm sorry I didn't update yesterday, I was on the phone most of the day. I love you all and I ask that you keep praying....it's helping me to hang on! I guess I won't have a lack of topics to blog about; See, I'm looking on the bright side! I have a bone scan tomorrow, the first of many tests.
I'll keep you posted.
Love,
Janice

Tomorrow....

So sorry all...I'm finally updating. Most of you know that over the last month I've had a scary medical drama going on. I found a lump in my breast and went to the Dr. She sent me for a Ultrasound, which raised red flags, then a mammogram two days later, then to an Oncologist who said I needed a biopsy. Last Wednesday I had the biopsy and I've had to wait a week to find out if it's cancerous or not. Wow...has that been hard! It being the night before my appointment is weird. I have never been in such a place of scary unknowing. I can see my appt. going either way. I have also never so profoundly experienced the power of prayer and the peace it gives. No matter how scary cancer sounds, I feel like I will be okay no matter what. I like knowing that I can just trust God. I don't know how people make it through life without Him. Another thing I've learned is that people love me. Sometimes I feel very lonely and isolated in my little Yucaipa bubble and I forget. I thank all of you who demonstrate that love in such a Christlike way. I am humbled and deeply grateful for my wonderful friends and family. I love you all and I'll update what I find out tomorrow.
Until then, keep praying!
Love you all,
Janice

A Whirlwind!

Hello all! Man, have these last three weeks been a whirlwind! We had the best time in Washington! We loved spending time with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Rich, Pamela, the Auslands, the Souths, and our other Anacortes friends. It was such a blessing to be able to relax and spend time with our loved ones!

We did get off to a rocky start on our vacation with the weather we had to drive through. When we got there Kyle got sick for several days, and Brooklyn got sick for a couple of days too. Luckily they got better so we could spend a couple of days in Anacortes with the Auslands, the Souths and may other dear ones!

I don't know why, but it is taking me days to get this post accomplished. My computer is running out of memory so lately it is very slow! I'm getting very irritated by it. By ipod touch surfs the web faster than this thing!

Since being home, we have been busy with Dr. appts., school and homework, and the usual stuff that was so nice to be away from! Right now I'm in the process of getting my tax stuff together so I can get the maximum return.

Well I'll end for now. I love and miss you all!

Love,
Janice

We Made It To Washington!

Well...we made it. We went over hill and dale to get here. We first went up the coast of California to avoid the Grapevine which was supposed to be icy. We cut over to the 5 above Sacramento. At that point it was raining. We then traveled nonstop in rain. We kept trudging along and went through snowy and icy conditions, but we made it to Medford. After spending the night there, we traveled through snow, ice, wind and rain through the rest of the mountains. We got a break from severe weather when we were between the mountain area and Salem OR. After that it was a white-out to about Vancouver, WA. It was very slow-going. I kept getting nervous because we didn't have chains; we apparently are not supposed to use them on our car. The only thing we could use cost $500 or more and that wasn't an option. Anyway, our snow tires did the job and got us here safely about 9pm last night. Now, we are relaxing and enjoying being out of the car. By the way, Riley was the best traveler in the car. He did great! He must be a dog that is born to travel! He is afraid of my Mom's pomeranian though! He! He!
Have a blessed day!
Love,
Janice

Iceskating!

We went ice skating today and we made a movie! I went with my niece, Amber, and the kiddos. Enjoy! Love, Janice

Art Class

I got an A in my art class! Yippee! I got the results in the mail today. Now I have a BA and 45 units which bumps me up on a pay scale if I am ever on one! I am not going to take anymore classes now until I get a job, if I in fact ever want one! That's my good news for today and I'll leave it at that!
Love,
Janice

Christmas is Coming!

I am trying REALLY hard to get into the spirit of Christmas season. I want it to be filled with giving, and fun, and coziness and nostalgia. I am, however, a person with high expectations which are bound to be disappointed. I know I do this, yet I cannot help myself! I would much rather anticipate something grand than expect something boring. It's much more fun to build up something and be let down than do nothing and expect nothing. Don't ya think? In this effort, I found my favorite book to read at Christmastime. It is Shepherd's Abiding, by Jan Karon. I've read the Mitford Series and I believe it's #8. It centers around Christmas. It's my favorite. I love that series because it's like a cup of hot cocoa. It's safe, and good, and the people are likeable. I would love to live in Mayberry (A.K.A. Mitford) and be a part of such a place. When I read it, I get to be there in my head. That's the great thing about reading! Anyway, I'll let you know how the high expectations go.....Only 19 days till we leave....Yippee! I need to get out of here!

Love,
Janice